Narendra Modi interview: 'Those close to 'family' were made ECs,' PM counters lack of level playing field charge

Narendra Modi interview: PM dismisses lack of level playing field charge of Opposition.

Updated on: Apr 15, 2024, 18:22:17 IST

By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi dismissed the Opposition's charge of lack of a level playing field and countered that in the previous governments, those "close to the family were made Election Commissioners."

New Delhi, Apr 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during an interview with Asian News International (ANI) Editor-in-Chief Smita Prakash (Unseen), in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo) (ANI)

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In an interview with ANI broadcasted on Monday, PM Modi, when asked about the charge of lack of a 'level playing field' and the alleged influence over agencies like the ED, CBI, EC, etc., PM said: “Out of these, not a single law ( ED, CBI filing cases) was brought by my government, on the contrary, Election Commission reforms were brought by my government.

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Modi accused that those "close to the 'family' were made Election Commissioners who later got Rajya Sabha seats and ministries...We (BJP) can't play at that level.”

In March of last year, the Supreme Court, in response to a writ petition, directed that the appointment of chief election commissioners and other ECs be made by the President, based on advice from a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha or leader of the largest opposition party, and the chief justice of India.

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However, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, replaced the chief justice of India with a union minister.

“Today, if the Election Commission is formed, then the opposition is also in it. Earlier, the Prime Minister used to sign a file and form the Election Commission. And those who were close to their families, such people became election commissioners.”

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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